Page 42 of Crown of Hearts
“I’m not trying to push you away. This is so much bigger than you and I. There are procedures and documents and protocol and—”
“I don’t care about the damn documentation, Cai. I just wanted an answer from you.”
“I . . . it’s not . . .” He stumbled over his words.
“Figure out what you want, Cai. I know why I’m here,” I said, walking out of the study.
Chapter 12
Cai
I watched her hair spiral in slight waves down her back as my horse started to fall behind hers. Elara’s riding attire was elegant, with the Evernean royal crest stitched onto the back of her jacket. Her legs dangled next to the horse’s sides in such a manner that it gave away her lack of formal training, growing up. She might have been taught to ride like a bandit, but she certainly hadn’t been taught to ride like a queen, sitting astride like that.
The thought made me smile. I wasn’t sure if asking her to accompany me for a ride through the forest would make up for any tension between us, but she seemed content enough, even though she hadn’t said a word since we left the stables.
“You know, if you paint a picture, it will last longer.” She looked back with a smile, and I felt my cheeks flush. This only seemed to widen her grin, her eyes playful.
“I’m simply admiring the horse’s flanks. They’ve been doing well exercising her over the last few months.” The attempt at redemption was futile and almost a little bit sad, but it was too late to stop myself.
I managed a smile, however, when I heard Elara say “Horse’s flanks, my arse” to herself. “Where are you taking me, by the way?”
“There’s a hill beyond this stretch of woods. The view is quite something.”
“You do realise we’ll get into an insurmountable amount of trouble upon returning to the palace.”
It probably wasn’t the best idea to sneak out of the palace without any of our guards to accompany us for our safety. But there was something in the forbidden that reminded me of thetime I spent with Elara in Fairfrith. It was the first time since then that I was completely alone with her. And maybe we both needed it.
“I’m the king of Norrandale, I can only get into so much trouble.”
“I see your new title has made you arrogant.” She chuckled.
“Perhaps I was always arrogant and you simply didn’t notice.”
My words made her laugh softly, as though trying to contain it.
“Pray tell, what is so amusing?”
“You would make an awful spy, you know.”
“I would?” I questioned, curious to know exactly why.
“I hate to be the one to tell you, but you’re a terrible liar.”
“Well, I can’t be good at everything, now can I?”
“I thought kings were supposed to be good at everything.”
I played along. “A common myth, I assure you.”
“Ah, I see. Forgive my ignorance, Your Majesty.” She drew out my title.
“You’ve changed, though,” I commented, and she turned her head to face me.
Those wild, beautiful eyes, which had flames dancing in them. Just looking at her ignited sparks inside my chest.
“What do you mean?”
“You used not to fear getting into trouble. I see your responsibility must have caught up with you.”
